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Beltre third, Hamilton fifth in AL MVP balloting

Beltre third, Hamilton fifth in AL MVP balloting

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AL MVP candidate: Beltre 0:53

Adrian Beltre was once again a force in the Rangers lineup batting .321 with 36 home runs and 102 RBI in 2012

By T.R. Sullivan
/
MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton and third baseman Adrian Beltre both had seasons that were worthy of Most Valuable Player consideration. They just weren't as good as the Tigers' Miguel Cabrera.

Beltre finished third and Hamilton finished fifth in the American League MVP voting conducted by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. The award went to Cabrera, who was the first player in 45 years to hit for a Triple Crown. Angels phenom Mike Trout, who was named the BBWAA's AL Rookie of the Year, finished second in the voting, with Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano fourth.

Hamilton, a free agent who won the award in 2010, hit .285 with 103 runs scored, 43 home runs and 128 RBIs this past season. Beltre, who was named the Rangers Player of the Year on Wednesday, hit .321 with 95 runs, 36 home runs and 102 RBIs while winning a Gold Glove for his defense.

Hamilton was the last Rangers player to win the award and the fifth in club history. Jeff Burroughs won the award in 1974, Juan Gonzalez won it in 1996 and 1998, followed by Ivan Rodriguez in 1999 and Alex Rodriguez in 2003.

Hamilton finished seventh in 2008 and 22nd in 2011. Beltre was second in the NL MVP voting in 2004 while with the Dodgers, finishing behind Barry Bonds of the Giants. He was 15th in 2011.